Dispute keeps Viloria out of ring

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

NABF flyweight champion Brian Viloria hasn't fought since July 22, and might not fight again until February. Advertiser library photo • July 22, 2003

Viloria, the No. 4-ranked flyweight in the world according to the World Boxing Council (WBC), has not fought since July 22, and might not fight again until February.

Gary Gittelsohn, Viloria's manager, said that Viloria's schedule has been put on hold until a dispute can be settled with DiBella Entertainment, which is Viloria's promotion/matchmaking team.

Gittelsohn said DiBella has not fulfilled several contractual obligations to Viloria, including financial payments and televised bouts on HBO.

Lou DiBella, owner of DiBella Entertainment, is affiliated with HBO and is one of boxing's most recognized promoters.

"If they believe that I hampered Brian's growth, they are welcome to look elsewhere," DiBella said. "I don't believe DiBella Entertainment has in any way failed Brian Viloria."

Gittelsohn responded: "No one ever alleged that DiBella hampered Brian's career. But it can not be disputed that DiBella has not lived up to his contractual obligations."

Gittelsohn said DiBella has not scheduled enough fights for Viloria, and has not allowed Viloria to appear on an HBO card. As a result, Viloria has not made the "big fight money" he was promised in the contract, according to Gittelsohn.

DiBella said he has received a commitment from Mexico's Agustin Luna to fight Viloria on Nov. 21, but Gittelsohn said he will not agree to that bout until the dispute is resolved.

"We are not working with DiBella on a fight-to-fight basis," Gittelsohn said. "There have been promises broken, so we need to get that worked out before we move on to anything else."

DiBella said he did not want to discuss details of the contract through the media.

Viloria is 13-0 with eight knockouts since turning professional in 2001. He has been under contract with DiBella Entertainment since becoming a professional.

Viloria, 22, is the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) flyweight champion and the WBC youth world flyweight champ.

Gittelsohn said Viloria is tentatively scheduled to fight in Hawai'i in early February. He said that bout will take place, with or without DiBella.

"That's the only fight we can guarantee right now, and only because it will be in Hawai'i," Gittelsohn said.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.